| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — City of Key West Business Tax Receipt plus a special Transient License for rentals under 30 days; Florida DBPR vacation rental license; Monroe C |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% total (state and county) |
| Night / Day Cap | Transient (weekly) rentals limited to 26 weeks total per year, then monthly rentals only (for transient-licensed properties) |
| Minimum Stay | 30-day minimum (28 days for non-transient) unless a Transient License is held; transient = 28 days or less |
| Permit Fee | Vacation rental manager license $110; City business taxes range $23.15 (non-transient residential) to higher amounts; STR BTR fee not separately codif |
| Penalties | Strict enforcement by Code Compliance; daily fines reaching thousands of dollars, liens, and possible criminal charges for persistent offenders |
| Occupancy Limit | Based on square footage; verified during inspection (specific formula Unknown) |
Short-term rentals in Key West, Florida are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — City of Key West Business Tax Receipt plus a special Transient License for rentals under 30 days; Florida DBPR vacation rental license; Monroe County BTR also recommended; manager license requir. The associated permit fees are Vacation rental manager license $110; City business taxes range $23.15 (non-transient residential) t.
Short-term rental operators in Key West should be aware of these tax obligations: 12.5% total (state and county). Yes — Florida Dept. of Revenue sales tax ID and City/County Business Tax Receipts; corporations/LLCs/DBAs must register with the State before a BTR is.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Key West include: Rental day cap: Transient (weekly) rentals limited to 26 weeks total per year, then monthly rentals only (for transient-licensed propert. Occupancy limit: Based on square footage; verified during inspection (specific formula Unknown). Minimum stay: 30-day minimum (28 days for non-transient) unless a Transient License is held; transient = 28 days or less.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Key West: Transient rentals allowed only in eligible zones and only with a Transient License; property must qualify; see Code Sections 122-1371 and Chapter 122. Density rules: Finite/capped supply of transient licenses; effective moratorium on new transient licenses — most are bought/sold with the property. Insurance: Unknown (high hurricane/salt-air costs noted but mandate not confirmed).
Hosts who fail to comply with Key West's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Strict enforcement by Code Compliance; daily fines reaching thousands of dollars, liens, and possible criminal charges for persistent offenders.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Key West: City strongly recommends public verify license validity; only licensed/validated properties may legally advertise.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Key West but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Annual fire/life-safety inspection required for transient renewals; manager license required; building code compliance verified
Yes. Key West requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — City of Key West Business Tax Receipt plus a special Transient License for rentals under 30 days; Florida DBPR vacation rental license; Monroe County BTR also recommended; manager license required.
Short-term rental hosts in Key West are subject to the following tax obligations: 12.5% total (state and county).
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Key West may face enforcement. Strict enforcement by Code Compliance; daily fines reaching thousands of dollars, liens, and possible criminal charges for persistent offenders.
In Dec 2025 the city revoked transient licenses and medallions for ~291 Truman Annex properties and is defending the revocations in court. Licenses are NOT universally transferable on sale — verify before purchase. One of the most restrictive STR markets in the US.
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